West Virginia Governor Expects Insurance Home Rule Agreement

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin believes the parties in a dispute over the state’s home rule experiment are close to resolving their differences.

Manchin spokesman Matt Turner says meetings recently convened by the governor that brought the West Virginia Insurance Federation and the four cities with home rule together have resulted in a tentative agreement.

Turner says nothing is final yet, but those involved are ready to discuss draft legislation that could address their concerns.

Last month, the federation filed suit over Huntington’s plan to withhold insurance claim proceeds from property owners who don’t demolish buildings damaged by fire.

The lawsuit says home rule, which also includes Bridgeport, Wheeling and Charleston, is unconstitutional.